Institute of Hispanic Culture Celebrates Afro-Latin Festival

Carmen Maria Montiel

Shortly after winning the Miss Venezuela pageant and competing in the Miss Universe pageant in 1984, Carmen María Montiel started working as a television host for Buenos Dias Venezuela. What followed was a productive career in journalism, culminating in her work as a news anchor for Telemundo-Houston and producer of Ritmo Latino. While living in Houston, Carmen María Montiel has supported several organizations, including the Institute of Hispanic Culture, where she served on the board of directors from December 2008 to December 2010.

The Institute of Hispanic Culture of Houston is a not-for-profit organization established for the purpose of enhancing and preserving the Hispanic culture, language, and heritage. The institute focuses on supporting and sharing rich Hispanic culture and highlighting the historical, scientific, artistic, and linguistic achievements of Latin-Americans and Spaniards, particularly those residing in Houston.

On June 5, the institute helped with the Afro-Latin Festival at Rice University. The festival, which celebrated its third year in 2016, is a celebration of African and Latin dance, rhythms, and music. It primarily focuses on dance and music workshops. Together with Rice University's Office of Multicultural Affairs, FLAMART, and Strictly Street Salsa, the institute organized an event that showcased workshops for dancers of all styles and levels. There were also live performances, with more than 15 countries represented by attendees from the Houston community.

Shortly after winning the Miss Venezuela pageant and competing in the Miss Universe pageant in 1984, Carmen María Montiel started working as a television host for Buenos Dias Venezuela. What followed was a productive career in journalism, culminating in her work as a news anchor for Telemundo-Houston and producer of Ritmo Latino. While living in Houston, Carmen María Montiel has supported several organizations, including the Institute of Hispanic Culture, where she served on the board of directors from December 2008 to December 2010.

The Institute of Hispanic Culture of Houston is a not-for-profit organization established for the purpose of enhancing and preserving the Hispanic culture, language, and heritage. The institute focuses on supporting and sharing rich Hispanic culture and highlighting the historical, scientific, artistic, and linguistic achievements of Latin-Americans and Spaniards, particularly those residing in Houston.